Announcing the appointment of Mr McGahn as White House counsel, President-elect Trump praised the former Jones Day lawyer for his ‘brilliant legal mind, excellent character and deep understanding of constitutional law.’ The appointment will come as a surprise to very few, with Mr McGahn having served as general counsel throughout the Trump campaign and continuing in that role throughout the transition period. Mr McGahn commented that he was ‘honored’ to continue advising Trump throughout his tenure as President: ‘President-elect Trump is a bold leader committed to draining the swamp of Washington and restoring economic prosperity and security. I look forward to serving the American public in this role.’

Former FEC chairman

A Washington-based lawyer with an extensive background in election law, Mr McGahn is currently a partner at Jones Day. As a former commissioner and chairman of the Federal Election Commission, Mr McGahn is credited as one of the architects of efforts to loosen controls on campaign spending between 2008 and 2013. He also spent nearly 10 years as general counsel of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Gray endorses choice

Former White House counsel Boyden Gray, now of Boyden Gray & Associates, voiced his approval of Trump’s choice of counsel: ‘The counsel to the President needs solid Washington experience, but also a serious prior relationship with the president that allows of candour, and a practical understanding of how government agencies function,’ he said. ‘Donald McGahn possesses all of these attributes and can serve President-elect Trump well.’ Mr Gray was first counsel to the Vice President in the administration of former US President Ronald Reagan, and later became White House counsel for the first President George Bush.

Sources: National Law Journal; Legal Week